Dauan Island vs Badu Island

Dauan Island and Badu Island are two remote communities in Queensland with distinct profiles. Dauan Island is a smaller, steeper area where the typical First Nations resident is noticeably younger at 21 and earns a typical personal income of $541. In contrast, Badu Island is far larger, with 612 First Nations people and a typical age of 24. While all homes on Dauan Island are within a 15-minute walk of a park, Badu Island provides much better access to food, with 83.6% of homes near groceries compared to 0.0% on Dauan Island.

Everyday life in both places is very similar, as almost everyone in both areas speaks a First Nations language. Both islands are car-dependent and lack easy walking access to schools, health services, or public transport. While Dauan Island has a well higher First Nations unemployment rate of 7.5% and better Year 12 completion rates, both areas remain far below the national figure for typical household income.